Once the targets have been set, warehouse planning involves an analysis of the current situation, including the identification of weak points. Based on this, a target concept is developed, first in rough planning and then in detailed planning, which highlights various implementation options and later serves as a basis for decision-making.

Warehouse planning – analysis of the current situation

The analysis of the current situation involves collecting and analyzing all data that will later have an impact on the warehouse. The aim is not to collect all conceivable data, but to create as accurate a database as possible of the data required for further planning. Since this data forms the basis for the subsequent concept, it should be checked carefully after collection by means of a plausibility check.

This data already allows conclusions to be drawn about fundamental weaknesses and potential for improvement in existing plant components and processes. It should therefore be critically reviewed and analyzed. Taking into account the planned development of the company, the data obtained can now be extrapolated to the target value. This data can also serve as a basis for initial optimizations.

Warehouse planning – target concept

The planning data from the actual analysis is now used for rough planning. A selection of possible systems is made based on the data from the actual analysis. These systems are evaluated and, based on this, solution scenarios are developed in different variants. Local and spatial conditions are also taken into account at this point. Financial aspects should be excluded in the first step of the concept phase in order to obtain as objective an impression of the possibilities as possible.

In the second step, the scenarios are examined for technical feasibility and economic efficiency, and impractical ones are eliminated. The remaining solution approaches are now further developed in the detailed planning stage. The final decision is then made on the final variant, whose technical specifications are reflected in a requirement document that is as detailed as possible.

You can find more information on warehouse planning at process-oriented warehouse planning.

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